Pulao Ubin: The Granite Island Adventure

Last week we had the opportunity to have a quick island getaway. It has been sometime since we had our vacation as a family and also such a long time that we have been wanting to visit Pulao Ubin. So before the weekend, we have finally decided to go and had our hotel reservations booked.

You can find out more about Pulao Ubin here.

We have planned to leave early but you know how difficult it is to get out of the house with a toddler, and also because we got no plane to catch, both literally and figuratively. All we want was a hassle-free weekend away from the bustling city life. We hurdled our way outside, called-in for a taxi while dragging a small luggage behind. This was actually the best we can do to note that we want to travel light.

Upon reaching Changi Point Ferry Terminal, we just took a breather and some photos of course and head off to ride a 12-passenger bumboat to the island. The journey from the mainland to this quaint island is about 10-15 minutes. We paid $2.50 each.

Ashrie and I at the Ferry Terminal

Bumboats!

MyGirls aboard the bumboat

Minutes later, we found ourselves being welcomed by a different vista of Singapore. Yes, you can still find bits and pieces of the familiar Singapore scene probably through the street signs by NParks and the local flora, but generally, it’s entirely different. No more manicured lawns, no well-paved sidewalks and no means of transportation except for the bicycles and vans for rent. And it’s not everyday (well at least for us) that you get to encounter a wild boar and it’s young along your way! Really!

We reached Celestial Hotel through an old, rugged van. The normal ride costs $8.00 per trip. After getting our room, we had a well-deserved meal at the Hornbill Restaurant which is nestled in the center of the resort’s man-made lagoon. Wasting no time after lunch, we rented two bicycles, one of which with a toddler seat attached.  This was our first family cycling adventure and first time to ride the bicycle again in more than five years!

Ashrie at the hotel's entrance

Our point of destination was Chek Jawa Wetlands. It is about 4.3 kilometers from the hotel. The terrain was challenging with its rolling hills and undulating road network. At times, we needed to walk up and down the steep slopes while all the time we must keep our daughter Ashrie entertained. Otherwise she might fall asleep.  Nearing our goal, where the road was now unpaved and all rocky, Ashrie suddenly dozed off.  My wife Jane had to carry her and walk all the way to the area. And I had to lug the two bicycles one after the other, distance by distance until we reached the place. Was the view worth the ordeal? Here are the shots.

Going back, Ashrie’s wide awake again. And as they say the return trip is always easier and faster.  After a refreshing and very much needed bath, it was dinner and then bedtime. That was our Day 1.

The next day was more relaxed. It even rained heavily before dawn but it was all sunny when we woke up. After the “morning rituals” and the light breakfast, we had a nice stroll along the resort grounds. Then my girls went for a quick swim at the lagoon, and not to forget - the promised sand castle building for Ashrie.  Then it’s time for us to go back to the city.

My daughter and I at the hotel's private pier

Starting to build a sand castle...

Chartered a van again, we were, all in all, three families in the van, each paying $8.00. (That driver’s lucky). Boarded the bumboat and in no time we’re back to the busy Singapore we used to know. Instead of hiring a taxi all the way home, we opt to be sent to the Terminal 3 of Changi International Airport since the day is still young and we didn’t feel like going home just yet. Being there in the airport gave us a more vacation feel of what had happened.

With our luggage on a pushcart and a happy smile on our daughter’s face, we’re so glad we made this trip.

Until next time!